South Africa set for Discovery Sport Industry Summit

11 Sep 2014

The Discovery Sport Industry Summit has again attracted leading international figures for this year's event, with key role players from some the of the world's most influential organisations confirming their attendance.

Newly announced speakers include Iain Banner, a co-founder of Laureus and current co-promoter of the Discovery World Triathlon in Cape Town, and Jessica Motaung, the Marketing Director for Kaizer Chiefs Football Club.

Banner is also a co-founder of the Gary Player Design Company, and co-founded the Dunhill Links Championship. He has also worked in the sponsorship business of major international events, including Formula One, Rugby, Soccer and Golf. Jessica is the Marketing Director for Kaizer Chiefs Football club, and is involved in the marketing of the club on a global platform.

Also on the list of speakers for the 2014 Discovery Sport Industry Summit, to be held at Deloitte’s Woodmead Campus on 16 September, are Liverpool Football Club's Paul Rogers and former National Football League (NFL) vice-president Frank Supovitz.

Rogers, the head of international digital development at the English Premiership outfit, manages the club's daily communication with over 25 million followers in 18 different languages on social media. Liverpool delivers content in more languages than any other club in the world, as part of a successful attempt to expand its global brand.

Supovitz, who left the NFL in June to launch his own company, oversaw some of the American organisation's showcase events, including the world-renowned Super Bowl and the season-opening Kickoff.

He is now the president of event consulting and management firm Fast Traffic Events and Entertainment.

'We are delighted to have such influential figures in the sport industry attending this event,' said Sports Industry Group MD, James Monteith.

'The Discovery Sport Industry Summit, now in its third year, has previously attracted key role players, both internationally and locally, as speakers and attendees.'

'We are pleased to announce that this has been achieved again this year.'

The 2014 event, supported by Cricket SA and the SA Football Association (Safa), will also host a number of prominent speakers from within South Africa's borders.

The Discovery Sport Industry Summit provides a rare opportunity for leading figures from the nation's top brands, governing bodies and organisations to discuss, debate, network and share best practice on all aspects of the South African sport industry. Highlights of this year’s Summit will be discussions about the future of fan engagement and the future of hosting major events.